BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Shipping Forecast

The latest weather reports and forecasts for UK shipping

Shipping Forecast: 24/07/2009

24/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Shipping Forecast, 24/07/2009Close menu

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

News Briefing

News Briefing: 24/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - News Briefing, 24/07/2009Close menu

Prayer for the Day

Prayer for the Day: 24/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Prayer for the Day, 24/07/2009

Daily prayer and reflection with Rev Richard Hill.

Farming Today

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

Farming Today: 24/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 24/07/2009

Pig farmers who get swine flu are being advised to stay away from their animals.

With Anna Hill. Pig farmers with swine flu are being advised to keep away from their animals. It is part of government contingency plans to deal with the outbreak of the infection.

Pig farmers who get swine flu are being advised to keep away from their animals. It is part of government advice to the food industry which includes contingency plans in case a large proportion of those working in the food chain become infected. The virus has not yet been identified in pigs in the UK but Defra and the Food Standards Agency have both stressed that flu in pigs is not a food safety issue. 

Anna Hill also examines farmers' reactions to the news that a parliamentary group is launching an investigation into the collapse of Dairy Farmers of Britain, 

She also finds out why senior politicians have stepped in to ensure that a 400-year-old tradition involving a goat being crowned King of Ireland continues.

Rural round-up and trends, presented by Charlotte Smith. Producer Fran Barnes

Today

Radio 4's flagship news and current affairs programme; including Thought for the Day

Radio 4's flagship news and current affairs programme; including religious reflections from Thought for the Day at 0748

Today: 24/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Today, 24/07/2009

Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day.

With James Naughtie and Edward Stourton. Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day.

Presented by James Naughtie and Edward Stourton.

Louise Ellman, the Chair of the Transport Select Committee, discusses what the government may have done wrong.

Conservative health spokesman Mark Simmonds discusses the government's response to swine flu.

Italian news magazine L'Espresso has published a recording that was allegedly made just after Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi finished having sex with a prostitute. Correspondent Duncan Kennedy reports.

Presenter James Naughtie travels to Denmark to explore social well-being and to examine the benefits of an economic policy that prioritises happiness.  

Director of the School of Life Sophie Howarth gives advice to those embarking on a 'stay-cation'.

Thought for the Day with Rhidian Brook. 

Professor Stephen Glaister, of the RAC Foundation, looks at alternative ways of dealing with road-pricing.

Dr Alan Hay, director of the World Influenza Centre, explains what to expect in relation to swine flu in the coming weeks.

Home affairs editor Mark Easton and Mike Trace, chairman of the International Drug Policy Consortium, examine whether the criminal justice system can deal with increasing cocaine use. 

Film footage giving an insight into the life of composer Gustav Holst has been discovered in Cheltenham, the town where he was born. Marjorie Imlah, chair of the Holst Birthplace Trust, explains what the interviews reveal. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted the rights of Israelis to settle wherever they want in Jerusalem, despite calls from the US to halt development of settlements on the West Bank and in East Jerusalem. Ron Prosor, Israel's ambassador to the UK, explains Mr Netanyahu's comments.

Briony Leyland reports from the Isle of Wight where workers at the Vestas Wind Systems factory are continuing a sit-in protest over the closing of the factory.

Jim Muir examines reports on the excitement in northern Iraq in the build-up to the election.

Colonel Stuart Tootal describes the experiences and the sacrifices of the soldiers at war in Afghanistan.

Former editor of The Economist Bill Emmott and Senator Lucio Malan discuss whether or not the scandal surrounding Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's private life will impact on his political career.

With James Naughtie. 
6.25, 7.25,8.25 Sports News 
7.48 Thought for the Day With Rhidian Brook.

Desert Island Discs

Castaway guests share the soundtrack of their lives.

Eight tracks, a book and a luxury: what would you take to a desert island? Guests share the soundtrack of their lives.

Desert Island Discs: David Mitchell

19/07/2009

David Mitchell

BBC Radio 4 - Desert Island Discs, David Mitchell

Kirsty Young's castaway is comedian David Mitchell.

Kirsty Young's castaway is comedian David Mitchell. Mitchell has won two Bafta awards and, as a sitcom actor, sketch show writer and humorous columnist, has never been in greater demand.

But as a child, Mitchell was sure he wasn't funny and it was only when he was at university, he says, that he learnt how to have fun. It is now just the rest of his life that Mitchell needs to address - beginning, he says, by tidying up his flat and then, maybe, even getting a girlfriend.

[Taken from the original programme material for this archive edition of Desert Island Discs]

Favourite track: Rainbow Connection by Jim Henson
Book: Decline and Fall by Evelyn Waugh
Luxury: DVDs of sitcoms and DVD player.

Comedian David Mitchell talks to Kirsty Young and selects eight favourite recordings to take to Radio 4's mythical island.

(Repeated from Sunday at 11.15am)

Book of the Week

Serialised book readings, featuring works from various genres

Serialised book readings, featuring works of non-fiction, biography, autobiography, travel, diaries, essays, humour and history

Book of the Week: In the Valley of Mist

Book of the Week: In the Valley of Mist: Episode 5

Episode 5

In the Valley of Mist

BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week, In the Valley of Mist, Episode 5

The effects of the conflict are compounded by the 2005 earthquake.

The effects of the conflict are compounded by the 2005 earthquake. Mohammad Dar's tireless work for the relief effort leads him to start a new career as an aid worker.

Fenella Woolgar reads from Justine Hardy's account of the lives of ordinary people who have lived in the disputed territory of Kashmir through 20 years of conflict. 

The effects of the conflict are compounded by the 2005 earthquake. Mohammad Dar's tireless work for the relief effort leads him to start a new career as an aid worker.

Justine Hardy's account of the lives of ordinary people living in Kashmir

Fenella Woolgar reads from Justine Hardy's account of the lives of ordinary people who have lived in the disputed territory of Kashmir through 20 years of conflict

Book of the Week:In the Valley of Mist

5/5. The horrific effects of the Kashmir conflict are compounded by the 2005 earthquake. Mohammad Dar 's tireless work for the relief effort leads to a new career as an aid worker. By Justine Hardy. Read by Fenella Woolgar. For details see Monday Repeated at 12.30am

Act of Worship

Woman's Hour

Women's voices and women's lives - topical conversations to inform, challenge and inspire.

Woman's Hour: Employment support for domestic abuse victims

Employment support for domestic abuse victims

BBC Radio 4 - Woman's Hour, Employment support for domestic abuse victims

What can employers do to support women who find themselves in an abusive relationship?

What can employers do to support women who find themselves in an abusive relationship? Plus, how to get your monosyllabic teenager talking; and what to do with your garden.

The Help

5/10 
The Woman's Hour drama. 
For details see drama repeat at 7.45pm Editor Jill Burridge

Blondin of Niagara Falls and Ealing

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Blondin of Niagara Falls and Ealing

Hardeep Singh Kohli walks in the footsteps of the famous tightrope walker Blondin.

4 Extra Debut. Hardeep Singh Kohli follows in the footsteps of tightrope-walking pioneer Charles Blondin, famous for his crossing of Niagara Falls. From July 2009.

Hardeep Singh Kohli walks in the footsteps of the famous tightrope walker Blondin to mark his first crossing of Niagara Falls 150 years ago. 

Hardeep discovers the continuing appeal of defying gravity from the experiences of circus acrobat Chico, the celebrated 'man on wire' Philippe Petit and the slack-liner Jon Ritson. 

Tightrope walking hit the big time 150 years ago when Blondin made 16 crossings over the Niagara River. His career lasted until he was 73, when he retired to Niagara House in Ealing, west London.

A Ladbroke Radio production for BBC Radio 4.

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Blondin of Niagara Fallsand Eating

Tightrope-walking hit the big time 150 years ago when Blondin made 16 crossings over the Niagara River. Hardeep Singh Kohli discovers the continuing appeal of defying gravity from the experiences of circus acrobat Chico, the man-on-the-wire Philippe Petit , and the slack-liner Jon Ritson. Producer Richard Bannerman

Cabin Pressure

Sitcom about an airline for whom no job is too small but many, many jobs are too difficult

Cabin Pressure: Series 2: Gdansk

Gdansk

Series 2

BBC Radio 4 - Cabin Pressure, Series 2, Gdansk

Carolyn solves the Case Of The Poisoned Cashews and Martin does the Seven Deadly Sins.

A paranoid bassoonist is on board, while in the cockpit all bets are on. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch. From July 2009.

When MJN Air is chartered to ferry a chamber orchestra, Carolyn has to deal with the mysterious Case Of The Poisoned Cashews, while Martin gets to run through all of the Seven Deadly Sins. 

And Arthur learns how not to pronounce ""Szyszko-Bohusz"", but does eat a lot of pudding.

Starring Stephanie Cole, Benedict Cumberbatch and Roger Allam.

John Finnemore's sitcom about the pilots of a tiny charter airline for whom no job is too small, but many, many jobs are too difficult.

Carolyn Knapp-Shappey ..... Stephanie Cole
1st Officer Douglas Richardson ..... Roger Allam
Capt. Martin Crieff ..... Benedict Cumberbatch
Arthur Shappey ..... John Finnemore
Madame Szyszko-Bohusz ..... Britta Gartner
Amsterdam ATC ..... Matt Green
Maestro ..... Simon Greenall

Director: David Tyler

A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in July 2009.

Cabin Pressure: Series 2

2/6. Gdansk. In John Finnemore 's sitcom, the airline is chartered to transport a chamber orchestra, Martin experiences all the seven deadly sins and Carolyn has to deal with the mysterious Case of the Poisoned Cashews.     
Producer David Tyler

You and Yours

You and Yours: 24/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - You and Yours, 24/07/2009

Consumer news and issues with Peter White.

You and Yours: Cycling to work

Consumer affairs with Peter White. Series editor Andrew Smith

Weather

Weather: 24/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Weather, 24/07/2009Close menu

World at One

Forty-five minutes of news, analysis and comment, with Sarah Montague.

World at One: 24/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - World at One, 24/07/2009

National and international news with Shaun Ley.

The World at One

News and analysis presented by Shaun Ley. Editor Jamie Angus

Feedback

Radio 4's forum for comments, queries, criticisms and congratulations

Feedback: 24/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Feedback, 24/07/2009

Featuring Jon Naismith, plus how you can quiz BBC Trust chairman Sir Michael Lyons.

I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue producer Jon Naismith speaks to Roger Bolton about returning to the airwaves without Humphrey Lyttelton and we go behind the scenes at Test Match Special.

I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue producer Jon Naismith speaks to Roger Bolton about the experience of returning to the airwaves without Humphrey Lyttelton. We also go behind the scenes at Test Match Special.

On the next edition of Feedback we will be assembling a panel of listeners to raise their concerns about the BBC to the chairman of the BBC Trust, Sir Michael Lyons.

While Sir Michael does not run the BBC, he is the chairman of the group which supervises the corporation on behalf of license fee payers. Technically speaking, the BBC has to do what the BBC Trust says, and the BBC Trust has to do what you say. Is it doing that? If we can remind you;
 
Mark Damazer has already said on air that the BBC Trust is examining the possibility of adding humanist voices to Thought for the Day. Should they be doing that?

The BBC Trust have recently suspended bonuses for senior BBC staff; there has been no comment about the salaries of the on air talent though. Are presenters paid too much? Should their salaries be made public?

The potential DAB switchover in 2015 will affect many listeners. The Trust has vigorously opposed the suggestion that BBC license fee should be shared with other broadcasters to make local news. But have they said much regarding DAB?

The Trust recently examined radio provision for young people. Their findings were positive but are children actually well served on radio?

Radio 2 and 6 Music's remit are being examined by the Trust. Will this lead to change at the two stations? Would you want it to?
 
If you feel strongly about these topics, or any other, then please email us and we will be in touch.

Roger Bolton takes listeners' comments, criticisms and praise for the week's BBC radio and redirects them to the programme-and policy-makers. Producer Brian McCluskey Repeated on Sunday at 8pm 
ADDRESS: Feedback, PO Box 2100, London W1A 10T 
PHONE: [number removed] EMAIL: feedback@bbc.co.uk

The Archers

An intense and gripping week of events unfolds in Ambridge. Listen to all the drama here.

The Archers: 23/07/2009

23/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 23/07/2009

The new Mrs Tucker settles into her role.

Helen pops in at the flat. Annette's there, checking her phone for texts. Helen insists there are other boys out there, but Annette says they're not as hot as Jazzer.

Vicky calls in at Grange Farm. She's brought a snack for Mike, who's delighted. She says she'll cook dinner later. Then they can open their wedding presents together, if he doesn't mind not going to the Bull? Mike doesn't mind at all!

Vicky calls in at the shop for dinner ingredients. Susan thinks teriyaki chicken sounds a bit fancy for Mike, and certainly for Neil, but Vicky says Mike's quite a risk-taker. Annette tells Vicky about Jazzer as Helen appears. Susan tells Helen although Neil's not getting his hopes up, Chris might have found him a pig producer to supply.

Mike's enjoyed his dinner, and he and Vicky start to open their presents. Susan calls in and has a look at what Vicky's done to the place. Susan tells Mike the pig producer's rung and wants thirty weaners a month. They talk about Brenda's graduation. After Susan goes, Vicky says she'd love to come. It would be their first family outing. Mike says he'll talk to Brenda, to see what can be done.

Episode written by Carole Simpson Solazzo.

Drama on 4

Drama from BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra.

Afternoon Play

Drama on 4: Investigating Mr Thomas

12/03/2008

Investigating Mr Thomas

BBC Radio 4 - Drama on 4, Investigating Mr Thomas

By Rob Gittins. Dylan Thomas sued Time magazine over an article about him in 1953.

Rob Gittins's play draws on archive material. When Time magazine printed a warts-and-all article about Dylan Thomas in 1953, the poet sued them for libel.

Based on a true story, Rob Gittins's play draws on archive material.

When Time magazine printed a warts-and-all article about Dylan Thomas in 1953, the poet sued them for libel. Needing to gather more evidence, the magazine hired a private detective to shadow Thomas in New York.

Detective ...... Trevor White
Editor ...... Doug Ballard
Beth ...... Genevieve Adam
Nora ...... Laurel Lefkow
Taxi Driver ...... Rhys Parry Jones
Guard ...... Richard Elfyn.

Afternoon Play: Investigating Mr Thomas

When Time magazine printed a warts-and-all article about Dylan Thomas in 1953, he sued them. They, in turn, hired a private detective to shadow him in New York. Rob Gittins's drama draws on archive material for this true story.

Gardeners' Question Time

Horticultural programme featuring a group of gardening experts

A panel of horticultural experts answer gardening questions from a live audience. Recorded in a different location each week

Gardeners' Question Time: 24/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Gardeners' Question Time, 24/07/2009

Eric Robson chairs. With Bunny Guinness, John Cushnie, Matthew Biggs and Pippa Greenwood.

Eric Robson chairs the popular horticultural forum. Bunny Guinness, John Cushnie, Matthew Biggs and Pippa Greenwood answer questions posed by gardeners in Hampshire.

Eric Robson chairs the popular horticultural forum. 

Bunny Guinness, John Cushnie, Matthew Biggs and Pippa Greenwood answer questions posed by gardeners in Hampshire.

Including Gardening weather forecast.

Bunny Guinness, John Cushnie , 
Matthew Biggs and Pippa Greenwood take questions from gardeners in Hampshire. Eric Robson is in the chair. Including at approximately

Gardening Weather Forecast.

Producer Trevor Taylor Repeated on Sunday at 2pm 2-in-1 chainsaw and hedge trimmer: p40

The Inconstant Moon

The Inconstant Moon: Episode 10: The Mock Moon

Episode 10

Episode 10: The Mock Moon

The Mock Moon

BBC Radio 4 - The Inconstant Moon, The Mock MoonSearch BBC

Conspiracy theories, James Bond and the great moon hoax.

Forty years after the Apollo 11 landing, author Jeanette Winterson offers a series of reflective readings about the moon. Conspiracy theories, James Bond and the great moon hoax.

Forty years after the Apollo 11 landing, author Jeanette Winterson offers a series of reflective readings about the moon. 

Conspiracy theories, James Bond and the great moon hoax.

A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.

Author Jeanette Winterson offers a series of reflective readings about the moon

10/10. The Mock Moon. Author Jeanette Winterson looks at conspiracy theories, James Bond , and the great Moon hoax. For details see Monday

Last Word

Radio 4's weekly obituary programme, telling the life stories of those who have died recently

Last Word: 24/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Last Word, 24/07/2009

Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series.

Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series, analysing and celebrating the life stories of people who have recently died.

Matthew Bannister presents the obituary series, analysing and celebrating the life stories of people who have recently died. The programme reflects on people of distinction and interest from many walks of life, some famous and some less well known.

Last Word: 24 July

Matthew Bannister celebrates the lives of famous and less well-known people who have died recently. Producer Neil George Repeated on Sunday at 8.30pm

The Film Programme

The latest releases, the hottest stars and the leading directors, plus news and insights

The latest releases, the hottest stars and the leading directors, plus news and insights from the film world

The Film Programme: 24/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - The Film Programme, 24/07/2009

Sylvia Syms: from Ice Cold In Alex to The Queen. Mark Gatiss's guide to British cinema.

Sylvia Syms on her adventures in motion pictures, and Mark Gatiss presents an alternative guide to British cinema.

Sylvia Syms discusses her adventures in motion pictures. League Of Gentlemen member, writer and actor Mark Gatiss presents his alternative guide to British cinema. Jane Graham on the the thin line between love and hate in modern romantic comedies.

The Film Programme: Sylvia Syms

Matthew Sweet talks to Sylvia Syms about a career that ranges from Ice Cold in Alex to The Queen. Writer, actor and League of Gentlemen star Mark Gatiss presents the first part of his alternative guide to British cinema. Producer Stephen Hughes Repeated on Sunday at 11pm

Afternoon news and current affairs programme

Afternoon news and current affairs programme, reporting on breaking stories and summing up the day's headlines

PM: 24/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - PM, 24/07/2009

Coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair.

Full coverage and analysis of the day's news with Eddie Mair. Plus Weather.

National and international news and analysis presented by Eddie Mair. Editor Joanna Carr

Six O'Clock News

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4

Six O'Clock News: 24/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - Six O'Clock News, 24/07/2009

National and international news from BBC Radio 4.

The latest national and international news from BBC Radio 4.

Six O'Clock News: 24 July

The Now Show

Comedy sketches and satirical comments from Steve Punt, Hugh Dennis and guests

The Now Show: Series 28

The Now Show: Series 28: Episode 5

Series 28

BBC Radio 4 - The Now Show, Series 28, Episode 5

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present a satirical review of the week's news.

Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis present a satirical review of the week's news, with help from Jon Holmes, Laura Shavin, Mitch Benn and Marcus Brigstocke.

Comedy sketches and satirical comments from Steve Punt, Hugh Dennis and the team

5/8. Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis take a satirical look at the week's news, with help from Marcus Brigstocke , Mitch Benn , Jon Holmes and Laura Shavin. Producer Ed Morrish Rptd tomorrow at 12.30pm  RT DIRECT: The Best of The Now Show on CD for E6.25 (RRP E8.80) inc p&p. Call [number removed] (BT landlines cost 5p per min; mobiles vary) quoting [number removed], or visit bbcshop.com and enter code [number removed] at the checkout

The Archers: 24/07/2009

BBC Radio 4 - The Archers, 24/07/2009

Mike calls in at Grey Gables to see Roy. He asks Roy if Vicky could have his ticket for the graduation. Roy refuses - Brenda wants him there. Mike says one of Brenda's friends might have a spare.

Later, Mike goes to see Brenda. She isn't happy about Vicky wanting a ticket but says she'll see what she can do. Helen appears. She tells Brenda she's fed up with working too hard and keeping an eye on Annette and Jazzer. Why don't they go for a goss at the Bull?

Annette appears at Home Farm and helps Alice catch Spearmint, who's escaped. Alice asks Annette if she'd like to go for a drink some time with some of her old college friends. Annette's delighted.

At the Bull David's pleased they got the combining done before the rain started. David tells Mike that Kenton's miserable, as the owner of Jaxx has refused his idea of turning the place into a bar.

Helen apologises to Brenda for whingeing on. Annette comes in and tells Helen she's going for a drink with Alice next week, and Helen's thrilled. She and Brenda wonder if there are any hot boys in Alice's crowd!

Episode written by Carole Simpson Solazzo.

Annette shows her animal magnetism.   
Writer Carole Simpson-Solazzo 
Director Rosemary Watts : Editor Vanessa Whitburn 
ARCHERS ADDICTS FAN CLUB: send an SAE to [address removed]
Messageboard:bbc.co.uk/dna/mbarchers

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Programme Index

Shipping Forecast

24/07/2009

Genres

Brand

The Help

Contributors

Weather

24/07/2009

Genres

Brand

Gardening Weather Forecast.

Contributors

Weather

24/07/2009

Genres

Brand

Shipping Forecast

24/07/2009

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

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